The month of August is always an annual observance to highlight the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages. Immunizations, also called vaccines or shots, help prevent dangerous illnesses and potentially harmful diseases.

Now is a great time to discuss immunization with your Family Physician. Decisions about vaccines are based an individual’s health history, age and exposure and are important in helping a physician determine which vaccines should be given and when they should be given.

 

Modern medicine and science are continually finding new and better ways to protect our health. An example of this is Shingrix, the new vaccine for Herpes Zoster or Shingles that was approved last fall and recommended for those 50 years or older. Shingrix helps the immune system defend against shingles with 90% or greater effectiveness. The vaccine is a two dose series with the second shot administered two to six months after the first shot.

 

Vaccines available today include but are not limited to: Chickenpox, DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis or Whooping Cough and Tetanus), H Influenza, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Polio, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, Rubella, and Shingles Zoster.

 

Every year there is special emphasis placed on the Flu Vaccine and we should all stop, look and listen for information in the near future about Flu Vaccine Clinics. Everyone, 6 months and older, should get the vaccine every year because the strain of flu virus changes each year. A vaccine for prevention goes a long way toward keeping us healthy. And always, if you have questions, contact your doctor.